being a devoted citizen of the Republic. Sir Matthew entirely approved of
him.

"Just the man we want, Mr. Tarleton. Make him assistant secretary.
That'll flatter him--then ask anything you like of him and he'll do it.
That's my way."

* * * * *

Presently Klein was installed and Tarleton soon found him a most
assiduous and useful assistant. Without the loss of a moment he got into
touch with various chiefs of subsidiary departments and obtained
stenographers and typewriters, clerks and porters. Urged by Sir Matthew,
he harried the Office of Works till they provided ample accommodation in
a fine building in a central position; from H.M. Stationery Office he
promptly ordered all sorts of indispensable supplies, and within an
incredibly short time Sir Matthew found himself installed in sumptuous
offices with a fine committee-room and everything in as perfect order as
even he could desire. Tarleton was compelled to admit that Klein had
proved to be an acquisition.

"What did I tell you?" cried Sir Matthew triumphantly. "Trust me to find
the right man, Mr. Tarleton, trust me. I always believe in demanding the
impossible and I generally get it. If you're modest, you get left."

Tarleton could vouch for the truth of this observation, and he disliked
the chairman more than ever.

In due course the committee held its first sitting. On Sir Matthew's
right sat Lord Milford, a wealthy peer of independent political opinions